In the quest for glowing, youthful skin, many turn to the wide offering of vitamin C serums on the market. Vitamin C is celebrated for its antioxidant properties, ability to brighten the skin, fight free radical damage and support collagen production.
Another important benefit of Vitamin C is its role in reducing sunburn. Because of vitamin C’s ability to be absorbed into the cell and to remain in the skin for many days after absorption, it is a key player in reducing the impact of sunburn.
There are many vitamin C options on the market to choose from and selecting the wrong vitamin C serum for your skin type can lead to more harm than good.
Here are the key dangers to be aware of when selecting a vitamin C serum —
Oxidation: Vitamin C neutralizes free radical damage on the skin, while oxidized vitamin C does the complete opposite. Unstable, oxidized vitamin C products create irritation, agitation, and bumpy red dots on the skin. Vitamin C is sensitive to light, air, and heat, which can cause it to oxidize and become ineffective. When the serum has oxidized, it will be yellowish-brown in color. Choosing a serum that is packaged in a dark, airtight container can help prevent oxidation and maintain the serum's potency.
Ferulic Acid: Vitamin C serums with ferulic acid, especially those with high concentrations of it can cause irritation and red skin. While there is some research supporting the benefits of ferulic acid in skincare, more studies are needed to fully understand its effects and potential side effects, especially in the long term.
Ineffective Formulas: Not all vitamin C serums are created equal. Look for serums that contain stable forms of vitamin C, such as ascorbic acid or its derivatives, which are more likely to deliver the desired benefits to your skin.
Investing in a high-quality vitamin C serum is essential for reaping its benefits. Choosing a cheaper, ineffective serum may not only fail to improve your skin but also waste your money in the long run.
A quality vitamin C serum that I recommend to my clients is the Environ Intense C-Boost Mela-Even Cream. The Intense C-Boost Mela-Even Cream is a special oil-soluble vitamin C infused cream which helps to reclaim the appearance of a younger, more healthy-looking luminous skin that has an even radiant glow. The cream helps improve the appearance of uneven skin tone, fine lines, lax, and sun-damaged skin.
